Spring Fun in Desert Ridge

Spring fun in Desert Ridge

In Desert Ridge, we have many lifestyles that are attracted, supported and influenced by the incredible resources of our community. Sometimes, in our busy lives, we move so quickly that we tend to overlook the treasures that surround us, or simply don’t get the time to discover them. We’d like to share some of our personal favorites here in Desert Ridge and the surrounding community.

“Lifestyle is a term that describes how we live. It reflects our attitudes and behaviors that forge a sense of self and cultural climate.”

HORSE LOVERS PARK

Thanks to the hard work of Ross Libonati and others, Horse Lovers Park has reopened. Ross is the new president of Horse Lovers Management Corp, the group that now runs the facility. Horse Lovers Park is part of Reach 11 and draws thousands of visitors each year, who come because of their love of horses, the four equestrian arenas and the competitive horse riding events.

Ross Libonati (602) 451-1248

Tatum Blvd. just south of the 101

SPA DAY AT JW MARRIOTT

Enjoy a day of beauty at the Revive Spa at the JW Marriott, which Mobil Travel Guide rated as “One of America’s Best Spas.” The 28,000 square foot Revive has 41 elegantly appointed treatment rooms offering a diverse menu of spa experiences including massage, facials and body treatments. Guests are invited to unwind in separate men’s and women’s indoor relaxation rooms or interact in the co-ed, outdoor Zen loft.

(480) 293-5000

spa.jwdesertridgeresort.com

5350 East Marriott Drive

Phoenix, AZ 85054

THE YAVAPAI AND COCONINO TRAILS

Another wonderful “Lifestyles of Desert Ridge” are the 2 trails that run for over three quarters of a mile parallel to Tatum between Deer Valley Road and Pinnacle Peak Road. Yavapai Trail (which means “People of the Sun”), begins at 48th Street and Deer Valley Road. Coconino Trail begins at 43rd Street at Deer Valley Road. Both washes can be accessed through adjacent neighborhood streets. Enjoy the symphony of nature that our beloved wash brings us. At this time of the year, our plant life by the paths along the wash is bursting with color and the wonderful smells of flowers. Come join us – early morning, midday or evening you will always find a neighbor.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

Friends have described their hot air balloon tour as “like riding on a cloud” or “a magical carpet ride”- and we agree. Tourists and Phoenix residents love them, because there is simply no better way to witness the incredible beauty of the Sonoran desert. Flights usually begin in the early morning and float less than 400 feet above the ground. After your tour you’ll be greeted by the ground crew and rewarded with a traditional meal of gourmet food and champagne, inducted into the ballooning society and awarded the Certificate d’Ascension En Machine Aerostatique.

Hot Air Expeditions

(480) 502-6999

hotairexpeditions.com

DESERT BROOM LIBRARY

Did you know you have free access to many newspapers and current magazines including Consumer Reports? How about free takehome DVD rentals of Hollywood box office hits and popular self-improvement CDs? You can check out these and any other book in a City of Phoenix Library all from the comfort of the 15,000 square foot Desert Broom Library. The library also features a First Five Years/Los Primeros Cinco Años interactive learning space for families with young children, Teen Corner – a special “teen only” area, WiFi and Internet-accessible public computers. A multi-purpose room for community meetings as well as library programs seats 50.

(602) 262-4636

phoenixpubliclibrary.org

29710 N. Cave Creek Road

Phoenix, AZ 85331

RANGER ROAD OWLETS

Just east of Tatum Boulevard on Ranger Road, you can find some of the cutest local residents of Desert Ridge. Safely perched in the arms of a saguaro located about 20 yards east of the entrance to Expedition Point, you’ll find the nest that’s home to the Ranger Road’s baby owls. Don’t worry too much about finding the exact cactus, just look for the crowd of happy onlookers that return almost every day to see the changes in the owlets. By the way, did you know that a group of owls is called a parliament?

HIKING AND BIKING IN REACH 11

The Reach 11 Recreation Area is a 1,500- acre City of Phoenix district park stretching almost 7 miles long and about 1/2 mile wide along the north side of the CAP canal. There are over 18 miles of seven foot wide, groomed, multi-use trails that bisect the entire park that are perfect for biking and hiking. Trails meander through a unique xeroriparian desert landscape that is filled with native vegetation and wildlife including coyotes, Gambel’s Quail, hummingbirds, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, coyote, and javelina.

2425 E. Deer Valley Road

Phoenix, AZ 85050

phoenix.gov/SPORTS/

reachsprt.html

MIM – THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY MUSEUM YOU’LL EVER HEAR

The Music Instrument Museum offers a shared experience of the history of musical instruments from around the world. Guests are given wireless headsets to wear throughout the museum, allowing them to hear the instruments being played, either solo or as an ensemble. Audio and video clips familiarize guests with the unique sounds of each musical culture, allowing them to share a common experience. The wireless audio system is user-friendly for guests of all ages.

(480) 478-6000

themim.org

4725 E. Mayo Boulevard

Phoenix, AZ 85050

WILDFIRE GOLF

Voted one of America’s Top Golf Courses by Zagat, Wildfire Golf Club features two picturesque 18-hole courses designed by golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. Play it yourself and find out what everyone is talking about – and why Wildfire was selected by the LPGA for the inaugural playing of the Bank of Hope LPGA Founders Cup.

(480) 473-0205

wildfiregolf.com

5350 E. Marriott Drive

Phoenix, AZ 85054

BIRDWATCHER’S POND

Located just east of Horse Lover’s Park is another hidden gem we’ve nicknamed Birdwatcher’s Pond. This small oasis in the desert is a great place for bird watching and home to more hummingbirds than any other we’ve seen in Phoenix. There is a small parking lot along Tatum Boulevard where the trail head begins. The trails are flat and easy to maneuver and one of the pathways is paved, making it perfect for those using wheelchairs or scooters.

Tatum Boulevard just south

of the 101

THE DISTRICT AT DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE

The District is a place where fashion rules, while music, food and entertainment dominate. There’s plenty to satisfy your cravings for food, fashion and fun. An 18-screen AMC movie theatre, and Dave and Buster’s, a 64,000-square-foot entertainment facility featuring a bowling alley, reality game room and a video café, are just some of the attractions that enhance the vibrant atmosphere. Check their calendar because there’s always something exciting going on in The District.